Domestic Violence and Contraception
The consequences of domestic violence are well documented: physical harm, emotional damage, financial limitations, and so much more. One of the lesser-known outcomes, however, is that women who are in abusive relationships are less likely to use birth control in general, and condoms specifically. And the results of that decision can be costly in many ways. The correlation of abuse and lack of contraception, by the way, seems to be linked with the abuse occurring first, and the lack of contraception following. More striking is the fact that the more violent a partner is, the less likely women will use contraception.
Why Contraception is Limited
While many women in unhealthy relationships would like to use contraception, the fact is that abusers frequently refuse to use condoms, at the same time restrict women’s use of other forms of birth control. The result is one more bit of control, leaving women vulnerable to the obvious consequences.
What that Means
The fact that contraception—and condom use specifically– is limited for women in abusive situations could be the reason that these women experience a greater need for abortions and explain why they are more likely to contract HIV.
It’s All About Control
There is a lot of research about domestic violence and its roots in a desire for control. Perpetrators of this type of violence often feel they lack control, and act out in various ways to assert control. Sometimes they intimidate or threaten; other times they isolate their partners. Emotional abuse, including name-calling and shaming, is not uncommon. Abusers often blame their victims for the abuse, manipulate their victims by using the kids as chattel, and perpetrate sexual violence to demonstrate their power. With or without these other forms of abuse, refusing to use a condom and/or restricting a woman’s ability to use contraception is, truly, a form of domestic violence. In Canada, in fact, the Supreme Court has gotten involved in the matter.
Canada’s Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court of Canada unanimously ruled that when someone insists on sex without a condom against the wishes of his partner, it is not consensual sex and the man can be convicted of sexual assault. While the courts in the United States are not nearly as protective of women in this situation, it’s clear that legal minds across the border have mulled the issue. And while women here don’t have nearly the protections that those in Canada have, there are still interventions that are available for anyone suffering from domestic violence.
Working to Protect
The dedicated and experienced Miami domestic violence attorneys at the Law Office of Julia Kefalinos are committed to assisting victims of domestic violence, no matter what form it takes. Regardless of your race, religion, financial situation, gender, or sexual identity, you deserve to live a life without violence. Schedule a confidential consultation in our Miami office to discover how we can help.
